The possibility of the loss of IBM jobs in Essex Junction and Williston is understandably causing great anxiety in Franklin and Chittenden counties whose economies for decades have been bolstered by those relatively well-paying jobs. It is another sad example of how the global neo-liberal economy has no heart, no compassion and doesn’t give a damn for the lives of people. The irony of Abu Dhabi, a medieval Islamic sheikdom, being the instrument of this possible economic disaster for Vermont is palpable.

But before the state and county governments begin groveling before the IBM power elite — offering tax incentives which, in the long run, may prove counterproductive for Vermont taxpayers — perhaps the idea of a worker-state buyout of the plants to form a democratic co-operative should be considered. After all, the front office executives don’t produce the chips — it’s the workers who have the know-how.

A pipe dream? Well, it’s happening in thousands of businesses around the globe including right here in Vermont, a state that seems to have the guts to try anything.